Boiler Plant Operator

Boiler Plant Operator

The VA Palo Alto Healthcare System (VAPAHCS) is part of VA Sierra Pacific Network (VISN 21), which includes facilities in California, Nevada and Hawaii. VAPAHCS is a teaching hospital, providing a full range of patient care services, with state-of-the-art technology as well as education and research. Comprehensive health care is provided through primary, tertiary and long-term care in areas of medicine, surgery, psychiatry, physical medicine and rehabilitation, neurology, oncology, dentistry, geriatrics and extended care. The Research and Development Service excels as a leader in the Department of Veterans Affairs. The non-profit corporation, the Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research (PAVIR), has contributed to making VAPAHCS a leader in research. VAPAHCS is affiliated with the Stanford University School of Medicine which provides a rich academic environment including medical training for physicians in virtually all specialties and subspecialties. Our Health Care System operates over 800 beds, including three nursing homes and a 100-bed homeless domiciliary. To learn more visit: The Boiler Plant Operator is in charge of the plant operations during his tour of duty under the general oversight of the Boiler Plant Supervisor. Each Boiler Plant Operator has the authority to make decisions to ensure the safe and reliable repair, maintenance, and operation of the all boiler plant equipment. The major duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Repairs, troubleshoots, and maintains single-and-multiple fuel power boilers and associated auxiliary and pollution control equipment such as water treatment systems.
• Operates boilers under constant attention to maintain efficiency and to control the formation of combustion pollutants, ensuring compliance with local air pollution laws or regulations.
• Operates, adjusts, and maintains auxiliary equipment such as electrical or steam driven pumps, forced fans, air compressors, deaerating equipment, feed water, heaters, and water softener units.
• Tests feed water, boiler water and condensate using standard chemical tests.
• Performs operational maintenance and repairs of limited to moderate complexity on mechanical parts and systems and may be required to perform limited or basic electrical repairs.

Work Schedule: Varies

Position Description Title/PD#: Boiler Plant Operator/PD6698A

Physical Requirements: The Boiler Plant Operator frequently works in confined areas in and around boilers. S/He requires moderate to strenuous effort and long periods of walking, standing, climbing, bending, and crouching. S/He frequently lifts and carries boiler parts and chemical supplies weighing up to 50 pounds unassisted. Occasionally, and with assistance, she or he carries items weighing over 50 pounds. The Boiler Plant Operator mainly works indoors, but occasionally works outside for short periods of time. S/He is subject to high temperatures, constant noise, rotating machinery, soot, dirt, grease, chemicals, oil, and fumes. S/He is subject to cuts and abrasions from the use of tools and equipment and burns from acids, caustics, hot water, steam, and contact with boilers. S/He works on catwalks and ladders. S/He will be required to a rotating shift schedule. Under normal circumstances s/he can work alone, since one qualified Boiler Plant Operator per shift is sufficient to attend gas-fired or oil-fired high-pressure boilers. At times, s/he will be expected to work extended hours in order to meet plant shift coverage requirements